Psalms 96:7 Commentary

Verse Text: "Give unto the Lord, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the Lord glory and strength."

Introduction

This verse from Psalms 96 serves as a call to worship and reverence towards God. It encapsulates themes of glory, recognition, and the acknowledgment of God's strength. As we examine this passage, we will draw insights from respected biblical commentators to deepen our understanding.

Contextual Background

The Psalm is attributed to an anonymous author, often celebrated as a hymn of praise celebrating God’s sovereignty over all creation and His infinite worthiness of honor. This Psalm is set in the liturgical context of Israel’s worship, and it reflects the universal call to all nations to recognize and glorify the true God.

Commentary Insights

1. Matthew Henry's Insights

Matthew Henry notes that the "kindreds of the people" implies a universal invitation, extending beyond Israel to all nations. He emphasizes that God's glory and strength should evoke worship from every corner of the earth:

• Universal Call: Henry points out the inclusivity of God's command. Every tribe and nation should recognize their obligation to honor Him.
• God's Attributes: The Psalmist underscores God's glory and strength as central attributes that should inspire reverence and adoration.
• Motivation for Worship: Worship is deemed an appropriate response to an understanding of God's majesty and power.

2. Albert Barnes' Commentary

Barnes expands on the idea of giving to the Lord. He interprets the phrase "give unto the Lord" as both an act of acknowledgment and a practical demonstration of that acknowledgment through actions and offerings:

• Giving as Acknowledgment: Barnes suggests that true worship involves both devotion of spirit and tangible offerings, underscoring the connection between belief and action.
• Glory and Strength Defined: Barnes elucidates that giving "glory" involves recognizing the splendor and majesty of God, while giving "strength" reflects acknowledging His might and power over creation.
• Response to Redemption: Serving the Lord with gratitude is a response shaped by the understanding of His redemptive acts in history.

3. Adam Clarke's Observations

Adam Clarke brings a rich linguistic perspective to this verse, discussing the Hebrew meaning of terms used. His observations highlight deeper implications for worship:

• Kindreds as All People: Clarke emphasizes that "kindreds" represents not just familial relations but also all people groups. This calls for a global recognition of God's sovereignty.
• The Nature of Worship: Clarke discusses how "glory" and "strength" are fundamental, indicating that worship is not just about verbal praise but also a reflection of understanding God's power.
• Encouragement to All: Clarke articulates that this invitation is meant to stir all nations and races to unite in their homage to God, highlighting the unifying aspect of worship.

Theological Reflections

The theological implications of Psalms 96:7 speak volumes about God's desire for worship. The Psalmist insists on giving to God the glory due to His name, which aligns with the biblical theme of ascribing worth to the Almighty:

• Worship as a Personal and Communal Act: The call to collectively give glory emphasizes that worship is not only a solitary endeavor but is also communal, encouraging the body of believers to unite.
• Responding to God's Majesty: The characteristics of God—His glory and strength—should compel believers to respond through worship, offerings, and service as an acknowledgment of His worth.
• Implication for Evangelism: The scope of worship extends to all nations, suggesting a missional mandate that believers should actively engage in sharing this call for worship with others.

Practical Applications

Pastors, students, and theologians can draw several practical applications from this verse:

• Encourage Worship: Create settings within congregational life that encourage offering glory to God through music, prayer, and collective acts of adoration.
• Awareness of Global Missions: Inspire communities to understand their role in global missions by recognizing that all nations are called to glorify God.
• Demonstrate Glory Through Actions: Individuals and communities should aim to reflect God’s glory in their daily actions, ethical conduct, and service to others.

Conclusion

Psalms 96:7 serves as a significant reminder of our collective responsibility to honor God. The insights from Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke collectively draw a picture of a God who is deserving of glory and strength from all peoples. Embracing this call shapes both personal faith and communal worship, nurturing a vibrant relationship with the Almighty.